James Giordano, Ph.D., is the Director of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies Center for Neurotechnology Studies.  Dr. Giordano notes the recent emergence of a popular trend toward the use of neurofeedback technology in nonprofessional settings to "treat" ADHD and other conditions in children and adults.  Neurofeedback systems use a computer in conjunction with sensors attached to a patient's scalp, in a configuration that is intended to enable the patient to monitor and ultimately control electrical activity in the brain. The trend has received coverage in The Washington Post   and other media outlets, and as the Post reports, the National Institute of Mental Health is poised to study the issue.  Meantime many experts are concerned about the lack of oversight and training in this field. Dr. Giordano writes: 

"There is contention surrounding the increasing use of neurofeedback, particularly as relates to possible misuse in children and adults with certain disorders. Perhaps the most important concern relate to the use of this technology by untrained personnel. Neurofeedback is not a toy; it is a medical technology that is still under investigation, and while it may offer certain benefits, it also can incur specific risks and harms. Insight into the underlying neurological mechanisms that may benefit from, and be affected by this technology, as well as the ability to contextualize these mechanisms and effects of neurofeedback to the unique circumstances of each patient, are critical to uphold technically valid and ethically sound use. Of course, further research is required to evaluate the actions and effects of this technology, and there is a need for increased stringency in the education, training and certification of professionally qualified, competent clinicians to steward this knowledge for the well-being of the public."